Route
Almaty • Lake Issyk-Kul • Bishkek • Tashkent • Kokand • Rishtan • Margilan • Bukhara • Nukus • Khiva • Dushanbe • Shahrisabz • Samarkand
A dazzling exploration of the lands where civilisation began. Journeying aboard the Golden Eagle, you travel through a fascinating patchwork of countries, stitched together by a shared history of Sovietisation yet fiercely independent in identity, from the mountains and alpine lakes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the mosques and bazaars of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
This is the Golden Eagle's Central Asian journey travelling in the opposite direction, beginning in Almaty and ending in the fabled city of Samarkand. Over fourteen days it crosses four of the great republics of the old Silk Road, moving from the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains of Kazakhstan, across the alpine waters of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, and into the desert heart of Uzbekistan where the medieval cities of Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand still stand in astonishing completeness.
Where many Silk Road itineraries finish at a modern airport, this one saves its greatest treasure for last. The journey builds towards Samarkand, capital of Timur's empire, and lingers there for two full nights so you can explore Registan Square, the Gur-e Amir mausoleum and the necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda at an unhurried pace. Everything, from five-star hotels to guided excursions and fine dining with wine, is included in the fare.
Almaty, the leafy former capital of Kazakhstan, framed by the Tian Shan mountains
Journey Highlights
Eagle Hunters of Lake Issyk-Kul
On the shores of the world's second-largest alpine lake, a privately arranged festival celebrates Kyrgyz nomadic culture. Discover the 4,000-year-old art of hunting with golden eagles, alongside horseback wrestling, traditional archery, music, dance and the strategic game of ordo.
Two Nights in Timur's Capital
The journey ends where the Silk Road reached its zenith. Two full nights in Samarkand allow time for Registan Square by day and by night, the Gur-e Amir mausoleum, the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, the Siab Bazaar and a working traditional paper mill.
The Silk Road Cities
Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand represent the high point of Islamic architecture and scholarship, and each is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khiva rises from the desert as a perfectly preserved walled city, Bukhara is a living medieval townscape, and Samarkand is crowned by the incomparable Registan.
Registan Square by Night
Front-row seats for a spectacular evening light show on the most celebrated public square in the Islamic world. As night falls over Samarkand, the three great madrasas are illuminated and the Timurid history of the city is brought vividly to life.
Silk and Ceramics of the Fergana Valley
In Rishtan, meet a master craftsman and watch the secrets of Uzbekistan's world-famous ceramic tradition unfold. In Margilan, a local family demonstrates every stage of silk making, from the mulberry-fed silkworm to the hand-weaving of vivid ikat cloth on traditional looms.
The Louvre in the Sands
In the remote desert city of Nukus, the Igor Savitsky Museum holds Central Asia's most extraordinary art collection, some 100,000 avant-garde works rescued and preserved far from the reach of Soviet censors. It is one of the most surprising cultural treasures anywhere on the route.
Day by Day
Arrival in Almaty
On arrival at Almaty International Airport you are met and transferred to a stylish, centrally located hotel, perfectly positioned for a first taste of Kazakhstan's former capital. There is time to relax after your journey or to take in your first impressions of this elegant, leafy city, framed by the dramatic Tian Shan mountains.
This evening you are invited to a champagne drinks reception, a chance to meet your fellow travellers and the tour management team, followed by an exclusive Welcome Dinner. Specially selected international wines accompany the meal, as they will throughout the tour.
Champagne reception and Welcome Dinner included. Overnight at a five-star hotel in Almaty.
Almaty and the Golden Eagle
Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city, known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and relaxed, cosmopolitan character set against the majestic Tian Shan mountains. The city takes its name from the word alma, meaning apple, a legacy still reflected in the orchards that flourish just beyond the city limits.
This morning a guided city tour introduces Almaty's history and heritage, including a stroll through Panfilov Park with its striking Second World War memorial, and a visit to the remarkable Zenkov Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece built entirely of wood without the use of a single nail. This afternoon you board your private train, the Golden Eagle, and settle into your well-appointed en-suite cabin. This evening the group gathers on board for a Welcome Dinner, marking the start of an unforgettable rail adventure.
All meals included. First night aboard the Golden Eagle.
Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world, ringed by the mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Lake Issyk-Kul and Nomadic Culture
Today you enjoy an extended visit to the magnificent Lake Issyk-Kul, a natural wonder set within the dramatic landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. Stretching more than 180 kilometres in length and up to 60 kilometres wide, it is the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Its name means warm lake, a reference to its resistance to freezing, the result of great depth, moderate salinity and geothermal activity beneath the surface. Snow-capped peaks frame a scene of exceptional serenity.
On the shore, a privately arranged cultural event immerses you in the nomadic heritage of Kyrgyzstan. Traditional sports and games passed down through generations are on display, from archery to the spectacle of horseback wrestling, the strategy game of ordo played with animal bones, and hunting with majestic golden eagles. It is a vibrant celebration of steppe culture, complete with music, dance, intricate costumes and time-honoured crafts. Afterwards there is an optional visit to the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs before returning to the Golden Eagle for dinner.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Bishkek
Originally a caravan rest stop for travellers on the Great Silk Road, the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek is the focus of this afternoon's sightseeing. A guided city tour introduces its distinctive Soviet-era character, with visits to Ala-Too Square, built in 1984 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic, and a selection of the city's leafy parks.
These public spaces offer a fascinating insight into the country's 20th-century history, with monuments and statues dedicated to figures such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, as well as the Memorial to the Red Guards. Following the tour you rejoin the Golden Eagle and continue on, crossing into Uzbekistan as you travel towards your first destination in this historic Central Asian nation.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Tashkent
Today you arrive in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Much of the city was rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1966, giving it a distinctive blend of broad avenues, monumental architecture and Soviet-era design, all explored during a guided tour.
Sightseeing begins in the Old Town with a visit to the Khast-Imam Complex, an important centre of Islamic scholarship. The tour continues to the Museum of Applied Arts, housed in the richly decorated former residence of the Imperial Russian diplomat Alexander Polovtsev, followed by time in Independence Square, a symbol of modern Uzbekistan. You also visit the Railway Museum, a reminder of the pivotal role rail travel has played in the development of the region.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
The Palace of Khudayar Khan, the Pearl of Kokand, in the Fergana Valley
The Fergana Valley
Kokand is one of Uzbekistan's most ancient cities and was historically a key trading post along the Silk Road. The highlights of your visit include the majestic Palace of Khudayar Khan, often called the Pearl of Kokand, and the Jami Mosque, the city's most impressive religious monument.
Your journey through the Fergana Valley continues to Rishtan, renowned for its exceptional ceramics, where a live pottery demonstration offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate craftsmanship behind these vivid, hand-decorated works of art. Next you travel to Margilan, a city long celebrated as a vital Silk Road crossroads. Here a local family of silk makers guides you through the entire process, from feeding silkworms on mulberry leaves to dyeing and weaving ikat silk on traditional looms, a rare insight into the enduring artistic heritage of the valley.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Bukhara
Bukhara is simply outstanding. Much of the city was carefully restored with UNESCO support in time for its 2,500th anniversary, preserving a remarkable historical and architectural heritage. The highlight of the tour is a visit to The Ark, the imposing fortress that served as the residence of Bukhara's Emirs, powerful rulers whose authority endured until the Soviet era. You also explore the grandeur of Poi-Kalyan Square, home to the iconic Kalyan Mosque, where pillared galleries and deeply recessed niches transport you to a bygone age.
Immerse yourself in the lively heart of the city at the Trading Domes, then pause at Lyabi-Hauz Square, a serene social hub set around a reflective pool and shaded by mulberry trees, where local tea houses invite a moment of rest. A visit outside the city takes you to the Emir's enchantingly named Palace of the Moon and Stars. This evening, weather permitting, a barbecue is served on the station platform, an atmospheric way to end the day before the Golden Eagle departs.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Nukus and the Savitsky Museum
Nestled in the remote north-west of Uzbekistan, the city of Nukus sits against a striking backdrop, surrounded by three great deserts, the Kara Kum, the Kyzyl Kum and the Ustyurt. Endless sandy vistas, rolling dunes and rugged peaks give a sense of isolation and adventure unlike anywhere else in Central Asia.
Your visit centres on the extraordinary Igor Savitsky State Museum of Fine Arts, often described as the Louvre in the Sands. Hidden in this remote oasis, it houses Central Asia's most extensive collection of 20th-century avant-garde art, alongside traditional crafts from the Karakalpak region, with more than 100,000 works preserved within its walls. It is a truly singular cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Itchan Kala, the perfectly preserved walled heart of Khiva
Khiva
Today you journey to the ancient city of Khiva, founded more than 2,500 years ago. Once one of the Silk Road's most vital trading posts, it occupies a strategic crossroads linking Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khiva rises dramatically from the desert to reveal an extraordinary ensemble of historic architecture.
Step back in time as you explore the imposing walls of Itchan Kala, the inner city, with its intricately designed mosques, madrasas, bustling bazaars and soaring minarets, each offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and commercial heritage that once defined this remarkable Silk Road hub.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Dushanbe
This afternoon you arrive in Dushanbe, the vibrant capital of Tajikistan, set on the Varzob River. Your exploration begins at the Museum of National Antiquities, where the exhibits showcase the region's rich history and artistic heritage, before the highlight of the city, the opulent Kohi Navruz Palace. A guided tour with a local expert reveals the fascinating story of this teahouse-turned-palace and introduces the artisans and designers whose extraordinary work brought its halls to life, from breathtaking chandeliers to exquisitely decorated rooms.
Touring continues to Dushanbe's landmarks, including the Ismoil Somoni Monument, dedicated to the first King of the Tajiks, Independence Square, and the Mekhrgon Bazaar, where the sights, sounds and flavours offer a vivid taste of local life. This evening, relax on board as the gentle melodies of the resident pianist accompany the scenic journey back across the border into Uzbekistan.
All meals included. Overnight aboard the Golden Eagle.
Shahrisabz and Arrival in Samarkand
Believed to be the birthplace of Amir Timur, the formidable strategist who modelled his empire on the methods of Genghis Khan, Shahrisabz is home to the UNESCO-listed Ak-Saray Palace and the nearby statue of Timur. This majestic palace took more than a quarter of a century to complete. Once adorned with vibrant mosaics and delicate Qur'anic calligraphy, it still bears an inscription recording the date 798 in the Islamic calendar, corresponding to 1395 and 1396 AD, marking its completion.
In the late afternoon you arrive in Samarkand, where you say farewell to the Golden Eagle. On arrival you visit the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, its iconic azure dome rising above the tomb of Timur, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture. You then check in to a five-star hotel, the base for an extended exploration of this legendary Silk Road city over the next two days. Tonight, enjoy a relaxed dine-around at the hotel, sampling a selection of gourmet dishes.
All meals included. Overnight at a five-star hotel in Samarkand.
Registan Square in Samarkand, the crowning glory of the Silk Road and the finale of the journey
Samarkand and Registan Square
Just the mention of Samarkand evokes the romance of the Silk Road more powerfully than any other city. Founded in the 6th century BC, its stunning architecture reflects its former prominence as one of Asia's most important cities, particularly the magnificent monuments raised between the 14th and 17th centuries, when it flourished as the fabled capital of Timur and his successors.
Today you explore its most iconic sites, beginning with Registan Square, the jewel of Samarkand, and the beautifully proportioned Bibi Khanum Mosque. You also visit the Siab Bazaar, the city's largest and most vibrant market, a kaleidoscope of spices, fresh breads, produce and traditional treats, and the Meros Paper Mill, where you can witness and take part in the centuries-old craft of traditional paper-making. Lunch is a plate of plov, the celebrated Uzbek rice dish, prepared by a local chef. As evening falls you return to a floodlit Registan Square for a dazzling light show that brings the history of the city to life from prime front-row seats.
All meals included. Overnight at a five-star hotel in Samarkand.
Samarkand and Gala Farewell
Spend the morning continuing your exploration of Samarkand, beginning with the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a remarkable avenue of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century and renowned for its intricate tilework and vivid colour. You then visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the earliest Islamic astronomical observatories, built in 1428 by the famed astronomer and Timurid ruler.
From here you travel to the ancient settlement of Afrasiab and its museum, home to artefacts uncovered during excavation of the old city, including the celebrated frescoes from the Palace of Varkhuman, which date to the 7th century. This evening, join a Gala Farewell Dinner, celebrating the culmination of your Silk Road journey with fine cuisine, carefully selected wines and the shared memories of an extraordinary adventure.
Gala Farewell Dinner included. Overnight at a five-star hotel in Samarkand.
Farewell to Samarkand
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, bringing to a close an unforgettable journey along the Silk Road, from the mountains of Kazakhstan to the heart of Timur's Samarkand.
Breakfast included. Departure transfer included.
What Is Included
All Accommodation
Five-star hotel accommodation in Almaty and Samarkand, and private en-suite accommodation throughout your time aboard the Golden Eagle.
All Meals
Freshly prepared meals on board using the finest local ingredients, together with authentic dining in carefully chosen local restaurants. Thirteen breakfasts, twelve lunches and thirteen dinners in all.
Drinks and Fine Dining
A generous drinks allowance, including international wines with lunch and dinner, and the celebrated Golden Eagle Gala Caviar Dinner.
Guided Excursions
Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary, with Freedom of Choice touring options on selected days so you can shape the journey to your interests.
Transfers and Porterage
All arrival and departure transfers, and luggage porterage throughout the journey, so your bags are cared for from beginning to end.
All Gratuities
All tips and gratuities, both on and off the train, are included in the fare.
Tour Management Team
An experienced Golden Eagle tour management team, together with a 24-hour cabin attendant service, accompanies the group throughout the fourteen-day journey.
On-Board Doctor
A UK-registered doctor and full medical facilities travel on board the Golden Eagle for the duration of the rail journey.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visited
Itchan Kala, Khiva
The perfectly preserved inner city of Khiva, the most complete medieval Islamic city in Central Asia, enclosed by its ancient desert walls.
Historic Centre of Bukhara
One of the best preserved medieval cities in the Islamic world, with more than 2,000 years of continuous history.
Samarkand, Crossroads of Cultures
The legendary Silk Road capital of Timur's empire, home to Registan Square, the Gur-e Amir mausoleum and the necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda.
Historic Centre of Shahrisabz
The birthplace of Amir Timur, where the towering remains of the Ak-Saray Palace still speak of the ambition of the Timurid age.
Fares 2027
| Cabin Class | Twin (per person) from | Single (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Class | £21,000 | £31,400 |
| Gold Class | £27,100 | £45,300 |
| Imperial Suite | £51,600 | £102,200 |
Departure Date 2027
| Route | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Almaty to Samarkand | 12 September 2027 | 25 September 2027 |
All fares are per person and given as a guide price. Prices are shown in Pounds Sterling. Fares can vary with currency fluctuations, so please call or email for confirmed up-to-date pricing. A deposit of 25% of the tour cost is required at the time of booking. It is advised not to book flights until three months prior to departure to ensure the tour is confirmed. Hotels are on request and cannot be processed until a deposit is received.